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Canandaigua, N.Y. —
A few weeks ago, Doc’s Lakeside Seafood & Steakhouse broke the record for World’s Largest Lobster Roll, with a 68-foot-long lobster roll that stretched across the entire parking lot. The fundraiser for Sands Cancer Center drew hundreds to the lakeside restaurant, and caught my attention.
So, when I had a craving for seafood, I knew just where to go. Web Producer Kevin Fuller came along for lunch, to see if Doc’s could measure up.
The atmosphere
There’s no mistaking the type of fare served at Doc’s when you step into the restaurant. Nautical themes rule the decor — lighthouse wallpaper, fish netting hanging from walls, seashells and marine life accessories abound.
We sat in the sunroom dining area, seeking refuge from the downpours that soaked the area last week.
The dining room did get pretty loud from the collective conversations taking place.
The food
I started off with a cup of Seafood Bisque ($4.75; $6 for a bowl). The neon orange of the soup surprised me at first, but didn’t deter me. The soup was thick and hearty. The chunks of seafood — lobster base, shrimp and crab — were generous, as each spoonful had a nugget of meat. The portion was just right; I was able to finish the cup but wasn’t too full to jump right into my next course.
After hearing so much about the record-breaking lobster roll, I knew there was nothing else I could order for an entree. I picked the Lobster Salad sandwich ($11), which came with a watermelon wedge and a pickle.
The portion was surprisingly small — about a cup of lobster meat nestled in a New England roll. The chunks of lobster were large and meaty. The mayonnaise and seasoning was understated, which allowed the freshness of the lobster meat to take center stage. The roll was nothing special, which is a missed opportunity to make this great sandwich even better. Although the watermelon was sweet and juicy, I would have preferred a different side, maybe fries.
Kevin ordered the Doc’s Po’ Boy Sandwich ($12), fried oysters on ciabatta bread with cajun remoulade and a side of French fries.
I couldn’t stomach the dark green substance that oozed from the deep-fried seafood, but Kevin was apparently in the mood for a seafood-man’s sandwich. It was certainly on the further end of the seafood spectrum — one in which only someone with a cast-iron stomach can handle. Kevin handled it and liked it.
A few weeks ago, Doc’s Lakeside Seafood & Steakhouse broke the record for World’s Largest Lobster Roll, with a 68-foot-long lobster roll that stretched across the entire parking lot. The fundraiser for Sands Cancer Center drew hundreds to the lakeside restaurant, and caught my attention.
So, when I had a craving for seafood, I knew just where to go. Web Producer Kevin Fuller came along for lunch, to see if Doc’s could measure up.
The atmosphere
There’s no mistaking the type of fare served at Doc’s when you step into the restaurant. Nautical themes rule the decor — lighthouse wallpaper, fish netting hanging from walls, seashells and marine life accessories abound.
We sat in the sunroom dining area, seeking refuge from the downpours that soaked the area last week.
The dining room did get pretty loud from the collective conversations taking place.
The food
I started off with a cup of Seafood Bisque ($4.75; $6 for a bowl). The neon orange of the soup surprised me at first, but didn’t deter me. The soup was thick and hearty. The chunks of seafood — lobster base, shrimp and crab — were generous, as each spoonful had a nugget of meat. The portion was just right; I was able to finish the cup but wasn’t too full to jump right into my next course.
After hearing so much about the record-breaking lobster roll, I knew there was nothing else I could order for an entree. I picked the Lobster Salad sandwich ($11), which came with a watermelon wedge and a pickle.
The portion was surprisingly small — about a cup of lobster meat nestled in a New England roll. The chunks of lobster were large and meaty. The mayonnaise and seasoning was understated, which allowed the freshness of the lobster meat to take center stage. The roll was nothing special, which is a missed opportunity to make this great sandwich even better. Although the watermelon was sweet and juicy, I would have preferred a different side, maybe fries.
Kevin ordered the Doc’s Po’ Boy Sandwich ($12), fried oysters on ciabatta bread with cajun remoulade and a side of French fries.
I couldn’t stomach the dark green substance that oozed from the deep-fried seafood, but Kevin was apparently in the mood for a seafood-man’s sandwich. It was certainly on the further end of the seafood spectrum — one in which only someone with a cast-iron stomach can handle. Kevin handled it and liked it.
The drinks
Kevin had a Sam Adam’s Summer Ale (short, $4.50). There’s a full bar, but Kevin noted the draft selection was limited and not very impressive. Mixed drinks and wine are available. I had my standard Diet Pepsi ($2.50).
Next time
For an appetizer, I want to try the Crispy Shrimp with Wasabi Mayonnaise ($9). For lunch, I’d get the Fresh Clam Strip Roll ($8) — breaded clam strips with fries, or another lobster roll.
Kevin said he’d be in the mood for something a little lighter, like the Sesame Crusted Ahi Tuna Salad ($11).
It should be noted that Doc’s dinner menu is much larger than the lunch menu.
Last thoughts
The food is a little pricey, but that reflects the fact it’s flown in daily from Maine.
And while I don’t think I’ll ever be able to look at an oyster again, I’ll know just where to go when I get a craving for hearty seafood bisque.
